Though placed twice between the flags, Vendant has shown little under Rules so far. Bob Bob Ricard has to go on the shortlist, however, having finished second at Wetherby on his hurdling debut as he also made the frame in each of his three bumper runs. Also placed in bumpers, Bentley's Return can improve on his third at Fontwell but HURRICANE DANNY took a big step forward when runner-up at Chepstow and may go one better here. Nelson Criq caught the eye when fourth at Warwick and may be best of the rest.
Bentley's Return (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Took keen hold, midfield in touch, bad mistake 7th, soon recovered, pressed leader 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced by leaders, kept on one pace approaching last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 8, 14l behind Cape Vidal (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) gd in Oct.
Bob Bob Ricard (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Led until slow 1st, chased leader, jumped left 2nd, led approaching 3 out, hard pressed when blundered badly last, headed and not recover, 2nd of 11, 9 1/2l behind My Chiquita (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct.
D'ambonnay (IRE) 300-1 (11-4) In rear, outpaced 3 out, tailed off, last of 8, dist behind Bucksy Des Epeires (11-3) at Lingfield 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Nov.
Deerstalker (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2 out, no extra, 4th of 8, dist behind Destroytheevidence (11-7) at Kempton 2m 5f (4) gd in Oct.
Hawaii Du Mestivel (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened and pulled up before next, at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov.
Honey Jack 17-2 (11-2) Mid-division, pushed along and lost ground quickly 6f out, soon behind, 11th of 13, 26 1/4l behind Gentleman's Relish (11-2) at Newbury 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Hurricane Danny (FR) 14-1 (11-4) In touch on outer, went 2nd after 3 out, pushed along and no impression on winner before last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Isaac Des Obeaux (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Nov.
Jack Sparrow Grey (FR) 6-1 (11-2) In touch in rear, outpaced 5f out, well held from over 2f out, 5th of 7, 10 3/4l behind Touquet (11-2) at Sandown 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Jongleur D'etoiles (FR) 100-1 (11-3) In touch, pushed along 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Heros De Romay (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) hvy in Nov.
Nelson Criq (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) In touch, headway 4 out, chased leading trio 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 13, 16 1/4l behind Kintail (10-13) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) sft in Nov.
No No Espresso 250-1 (11-0) Towards rear, pulled up before last, at Kempton 2m (4) gd in Nov.
Vendant (IRE) 250-1 (11-0) Towards rear, outpaced 4 out, 8th of 11, 33l behind Emailandy (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov.
Village Master (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Mid-div, 7th 1/2way, rdn in 6th well bef 2out, fair 4th aftr 2out, clsd bef last in 3rd, kow flat, went 2nd cl hm, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Western Harmony (11-11) at Ballindenisk 3m mdn Yielding in May.
